The Inside Swing

TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm

Potomac, Maryland

Home of the Cognizant Classic on the PGA Tour, TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm offers championship golf in the affluent Potomac corridor. The parkland layout along the Potomac River features well-defended greens, strategic water hazards, and tour-caliber conditioning.

History & Heritage

TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm, originally known as TPC Avenel, opened in 1986 on 220 acres of rolling wooded countryside in Montgomery County, Maryland. The course was designed by Edmund Ault and Tom Clark, with PGA Tour player Ed Sneed serving as the player consultant. It was built specifically to host PGA Tour events and quickly became the home of the Kemper Open, later known as the Booz Allen Classic.

The course hosted PGA Tour events regularly from 1987 through 2006, with winners including Steve Elkington, Tiger Woods, and Stuart Appleby. In 2008, the course underwent a historic renovation under the direction of PGA Tour Design Services, with Davis Love III providing player consultation. The redesign dramatically transformed the layout, creating more strategic options and modernizing the course for contemporary tour play.

Rebranded as TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm, the venue returned to the PGA Tour spotlight when it hosted the Wells Fargo Championship in 2022, won by Max Homa. The course continues to host tour events and serves as one of the premier private golf facilities in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.

Signature Holes

18
Hole 18 Par 4 · 455 yards

A demanding finishing hole that plays slightly uphill to a well-defended green. This hole has produced dramatic finishes in PGA Tour events, with water guarding the approach.

10
Hole 10 Par 4 · 380 yards

A strategic par 4 with water running along the left side that demands a precise tee shot. The approach plays to a green complex that rewards accuracy over power.

13
Hole 13 Par 3 · 195 yards

A picturesque par 3 over water to an island-style green surrounded by bunkers. One of the most visually striking and nerve-testing holes on the course.

7
Hole 7 Par 5 · 555 yards

A risk-reward par 5 that offers eagle opportunities for those bold enough to carry the water on their second shot, but severely punishes mistakes.

What to Expect

TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm delivers championship-caliber golf in a beautiful parkland setting. The course features impeccable conditioning year-round, with lush fairways winding through mature hardwoods and strategic water hazards testing decision-making on multiple holes. The 2008 renovation created a modern layout that balances challenge with playability.

As a TPC facility, the service and amenities are first-class. The clubhouse overlooks the 18th green and provides an excellent setting for post-round dining. The course plays to a par of 70, making every shot count.

Playing Tips

Water comes into play on numerous holes at TPC Potomac, so course management is essential. Know your carry distances and err on the side of caution when water is in play, particularly on the par 3s and risk-reward par 5s.

The greens are fast and true, with subtle slopes that can be deceptive. Pay attention to the grain, which generally follows the drainage toward the Potomac River. The tree-lined fairways reward accuracy off the tee, so consider hitting less than driver on the tighter holes to find the fairway.

Highlights

  • PGA Tour Cognizant Classic host
  • Potomac River parkland setting
  • Tour-caliber conditioning with public access

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the public play TPC Potomac?
TPC Potomac operates as a private club with TPC membership access. It is not generally open to the public, though limited access may be available during certain events or through TPC membership programs.
What PGA Tour events has TPC Potomac hosted?
TPC Potomac has hosted the Wells Fargo Championship, Quicken Loans National, Booz Allen Classic, and Kemper Open over its history, with winners including Tiger Woods, Max Homa, and Steve Elkington.
Who redesigned TPC Potomac in 2008?
The course was redesigned by PGA Tour Design Services with Davis Love III serving as the player consultant, dramatically transforming the layout from the original Ault/Clark design.
Where is TPC Potomac located?
TPC Potomac is located in Potomac, Maryland, in the affluent Montgomery County suburbs northwest of Washington D.C.

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